Court Threatens to Dismiss Case Against Kaweesi Murder Suspects
The Nakawa court grade one magistrate Noah Sajjabi has threatened to dismiss charges against suspects in the murder of former Police spokesperson AIGP Andrew Felix Kaweesi.
Sajjabi charged the state to better reorganizes its case and presents the file against the suspects.
The accused are Ahmed Shaban Ssenfuka, Umar Maganda, Sheikh Musa Ntende, Hassan Tumusiime, Ibrahim Kissa, Hamid Magambo, Abdul-Majid Ojerere, Sauda Ayub, Osman Muhammed Omar, Asuman Mugoya, Ibrahim Ssemwanga alias Superman and Swaleh Ddamulira.
While appearing before Sajjabi today, the prosecution asked court for more time as investigations in Kaweesi’s murder are still going on.
This did not go down well with the grade one magistrate who instead threatened to dismiss the case if the state fails to present its file against the suspects.
On February 15, defence lawyer Anthony Wameli, who teamed up with Godfrey Turyamusiima and Hussein Bilal, asked court to dismiss the case on grounds that the state had failed to produce evidence against their clients.
Counsel Anthony Wameli pointed out that Article 28 of the Constitution gives everyone a right to a speedy and fair trial, and that the fact that the accused have not been tried for nearly a year after being arrested, tortured and humiliated was unacceptable.
“Although this court has no jurisdiction to hear this matter, the constitution gives the trial magistrate mandate to dismiss unconstitutional charges before him,” ‘’ Wameli said.’’
He added that the prosecution is at liberty to reinstate the charges in case it comes up with clear evidence pinning the accused on the matter after it is dismissed.
The case was adjourned to June 7th when Sajjabi will rule whether to dismiss the case or let it proceed.
